On any given night out under that oak canopy and the stars, you can find aging hippies dancing next to 20somethings; swing dancers grooving next to rockers; bikers swaying next to National Public Radio fans; and blue collars sharing space with white collars.

Showcasing local, regional and national artists, Skipper's is home to the blues, reggae, bluegrass, zydeco, ska, jazz, folk and anything that is an alternative to the mainstream.

14. The first major event at Skipper's was The Freaker's Ball in 1980, a Halloween tradition that has continued with clever and outlandish costumes. The theme this year is Grave Situations (music by Uncle John's Band).

13. Skipper's used to sell more than 100 pounds of smoked mullet a week. It's down to about 25 pounds as other items have been added to the menu.

12. Employees are called Mullets, and two of them, caterer and kitchen manager Vicki Dodds and staffer Bonnie O'Connor, have been with Skipper's more than 30 years.

11. The place is filled with weird stuff donated by patrons, such as a large plastic horse that keeps getting redecorated, and a real moonshine still from Dade City (hanging over the bar).

10. In 2011, Skipper's was featured on the Travel Channel's “Man v. Food.” Host Adam Richman loved the blackened grouper Reuben so much, he featured it again on his “Best Sandwich in America” series.

9. Skipper's grouper Reuben finished in the top 20 on that series. National exposure brings in foodies from throughout the world. Every rerun brings a new wave.

8. Skipper's has a symbiotic relationship with community radio station WMNF (88.5 FM), serving as host to numerous WMNF-sponsored concerts, such as the station's annual birthday party.

7. Before a wooden dance floor was built, concertgoers danced on sand brought in from Lake Wales to make “the world's largest litter box.”

6. Through Skipper's talent agency, White books performers for other venues, including the Hard Rock Café, The House of Blues, the City of Dunedin and others.

4. Much of the Skipperdome was tacked together from salvaged wood and is decorated with donated signs and objects of art. Look for the Mona Lisa with a reefer dangling from her smile.

3. Over the years, Skipper's has held many benefit concerts for musicians and worthy causes. White estimates more than $1 million dollars has been raised.

2. Near the narrow, cozy Oyster Bar, which appears to be held together by posters and bumper stickers, is the tiny Tahiti Room. It used to be a music lounge. Today it's an eating area where diners scribble notes on the walls.

1. Skipper's is a place with character and a place for characters. Many regulars get nicknames, such as Dancin' Paul (O'Byrne), a longtime regular who almost lives at the place.